Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd said Mr Penrice's death was "devastating" and he would be talking to the pier worker's family and colleagues to pass on the condolences of the town.

The Liberal Democrat said: "This is desperately sad news and I know I speak for the whole town when I say the thoughts of everyone from Eastbourne and beyond are with his family and friends. Words are often inadequate at being able to capture such awful events."

He added: "I am aware that Mr Penrice had worked on our pier for around seven years as part of the constant remedial work that the pier owners, Cuerden Leisure, carry out on all the piers they own across the UK. This means he knew Eastbourne well.

"I am sure the many friends he had locally are utterly distraught over the
appalling accident. I will be meeting his work colleagues as soon as humanly possible to express the town's sorrow at the death of their friend."

Eastbourne council and Eastbourne Pier Action Committee have released the following joint statement following the death of the worker.

The air ambulance at the pier yesterday Credit: Courtesy of Eastbourne Herald

“We are shocked and saddened by the death of a contractor on Eastbourne Pier yesterday (Tuesday August 19). Our thoughts are with his family and friends back in Cumbria, and his work colleagues, at this enormously difficult time.

“We are seeking contact details for the man's next of kin and we will be sending our condolences to them.

“The Health and Safety Executive and the police will be on the pier today (Wednesday). Once their investigations have been completed, the pier contractors will be allowed back on site to continue with crucial work to make the pier safe and rebuild it.”

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A workman who fell to the beach while working on repairs to the fire-damaged Eastbourne Pier in East Sussex, has died from his injuries. His next-of-kin have been informed. Sussex Police and the Health & Safety Executive are investigating what happened.